Sony Initiates the Not-E3 Season with a Low-Key Presentation | Opinion

The start of June in the gaming industry is reminiscent of an archaeological site, where the original structure is no longer present, but its shape can be inferred from the gaps it has left behind. The absence of E3 has not diminished the significance of this period, as it remains the best time to gauge the industry's pulse and predict its trajectory for the next 12 months. This year, Sony has set the tone for the Not-E3 season with its State of Play presentation, which showcased upcoming games for the PS5, PSVR2, and PC. Although Sony has established itself as a market leader, it still has something to prove, particularly in light of the concerns surrounding its shift towards live-service games. The State of Play presentation has done little to alleviate these concerns, with a significant portion of the event dedicated to Concord, a live-service PVP hero shooter. The inclusion of other live-service games, such as Marvel Rivals, Infinity Nikki, and Ballad of Antara, has further fueled the speculation about Sony's focus on this genre. The industry's economic landscape has driven the trend towards live-service games, as the costs of developing big-budget single-player titles continue to rise, and the audience remains stagnant. However, the risks associated with launching live-service games are substantial, and the recent failures of high-profile titles have not deterred Sony from pursuing this path. The company's strong focus on live-service games is likely to be emulated by other publishers, who may even be more aggressive in their approach. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the industry's direction, with Microsoft's Xbox showcase being a highly anticipated event. Microsoft has a lot to prove, particularly in light of its recent studio closures and layoffs, and it needs to demonstrate its ability to create exciting games with its newly acquired studios. The events of the next couple of weeks may provide insight into the impact of the industry's reduced development capacity on its commercial performance in the next two years. Sony's partnerships with developers and publishers in Asia, particularly in China and South Korea, may give it an edge over its competitors, as it continues to broaden and deepen its relationships with companies in these regions. The success of games like Genshin Impact and Stellar Blade has shown that this strategy can be effective, and Sony may be able to leverage its partnerships to gain a competitive advantage. Overall, the Not-E3 season is expected to be characterized by a muted tone, with a focus on live-service games and a lack of major announcements. The industry's economic challenges and the reduced development capacity may lead to a decline in the quality and quantity of games, and the next few weeks will be critical in determining the course of the industry's future.